Bio-gene Dna Testing Says All Dna Tests Are Not The Same

DNA testing is the standard for human identity testing, and by extension, for paternity, sibling, grandparent, avuncular, twin zygosity and Y-str male lineage DNA comparisons. As much as it would be helpful if DNA testing were highly regulated, the fact remains that there is a great deal of variation in the processing of DNA tests from lab to lab.

Many laboratories use outdated methods and test a limited amount of markers, some as few as 6 or 8 markers. Others state that 16 markers are used as their base. Bio-Gene DNA Testing insists on a higher number of markers for increased accuracy. Why the difference? It usually comes down to a financial bottom line for the lab doing the testing. It can be much quicker and easier to run a lower marker test, especially if it is run just one time and the results are not compared with a second run. These tests can be run by students who are part time to cut the cost of testing. However, no matter how inexpensive a DNA test is, statistically, one cannot get a very reliable result from a small number of markers. Some laboratories use even older methods of blood typing and HLA matching to determine family relationship and paternity.

The most reliable tests can be obtained from laboratories who test 26 or more marker systems (17 or more markers for Y-STR male to male testing). Labs performing testing like this use the same technology as law enforcement agencies do for DNA evidence. The more markers two individuals can compare, the more precisely they can determine whether they could be related-based.

Let's look at this example concerning a paternity test. First, it is important to understand that all of as humans share 99.9% of the same genetic code. So what we are really testing is a very small amount of DNA that helps identify who is part of our biological family. When a person takes a 16 marker paternity test, they have to match on 14 or more markers to be the biological father. If an alleged father takes a lower marker test and the results show 15 of 16 markers match, then he is declared the father. Financial and emotional commitments that will last a lifetime become his responsibility"�which is only right if indeed he is the biological dad. However, this same person who takes a 26 marker test, where 24 of the 26 markers much match, finds out they only match on 16 of 26 and are therefore excluded! In a sibling test a person may miss of 4 of the 16 markers and therefore the results would indicate that they are not related. However on a 41 marker test, missing those same 4 markers, it would indicate a match of 37 of the 41 which indicates a clear and decisive relationship.

So why the big difference? It comes down to simple mathematics. Since so many of us share the same basic DNA, it is possible for random people to match (or in many cases not match) on more markers because we are so similar. By testing more markers, the chances of random matching or exclusion are virtually eliminated, thereby giving us more conclusive and reliable results.

Since paternity and family relationship testing is a combination of identifying DNA markers and performing statistical calculations regarding the probability of inheritance of these markers, basic logic tells us the more DNA markers tested, the greater the precision of the test.

Therefore, no matter what choice you make it is important to remember that price alone should not be the sole reason to "shop" for a paternity or family relationship DNA test. The numbers of markers being tested is the most crucial element, as is the patient support and education services offered.

Bio-Gene DNA Testing is interested in more than making certain that the testing is performed. We want to make certain that the DNA testing service you order is appropriate for your needs and make certain that you have a complete understanding of the results. Our consultation services are complimentary.

Discover the truth through DNA science and technology. These are LIFE CHANGING results. Make sure you choose the most reliable testing available.

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